Kia ora and welcome to the June-July 2025 issue of New Zealand Security Magazine! In this issue we greet the winter months with some great reading, including a wrap-up of recent industry appointments and acquisitions as well as the latest security solution launches and updates.
Among the updates, we cover Axis’s new environmental sensors, Dahua’s expanded WizColor product offerings, ICT’s new TSL Access Reader, Gallagher’s launch of OneLink with Command Centre v9.30, and Inner Range’s new cloud services platform – IR Connect.
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In our feature articles, we’re joined by Wesco Anixter’s Robbie Jones, who notes that while digital threats tend to dominate headlines, New Zealand’s public sector is facing a quieter, more insidious crisis: a breakdown in the management of its physical electronic security systems.
From outdated access cards to mismanaged surveillance infrastructure, he writes that many government agencies are relying on aging, insecure technology to protect sensitive facilities—without the technical expertise needed to properly oversee it.
We also explore HB167 author Dr Carl A. Gibson’s recent comments that a revised HB167 could be released within weeks. Security consultants and security risk management professionals generally have waited a long time for an updated edition of the landmark HB167 handbook. A once-in-a-generation event!
Inside, I also provide my comments around the Privacy Commissioner’s recent finding that the live FRT model trialled last year in 25 Foodstuffs North Island supermarkets is compliant with the Privacy Act. Given that this finding was released just weeks after the publication of an OPC annual privacy survey indicating that 41% New Zealanders are concerned by FRT in retail stores, there appears to be something of a gap between legal opinion and public opinion on the matter.
I know my thoughts on FRT in retail run contrary to those of many of my security industry colleagues, but it appears that the OPC is sending out mixed messages in relation to the deployment of FRT by retailers – on the one hand highlighting the New Zealand public’s deep misgivings over having their facial biometrics being collected in stores, and on the other hand giving retailers the legal go-ahead to do so. It’s a bit confusing – for the public and retailers alike.
There’s all this and much more to explore in this issue of NZSM. Also, if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to our to-your-inbox eNewsletter THE BRIEF. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest. Details on the Defsec website.
Nicholas Dynon, Auckland
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